As a kid, Chris Paul and his brother shared one pair of the same shoe—literally. It was Nike’s Adjust Force, known for its midfoot strap. Chris took the left, while his brother rocked the right. Not only was the model his favorite, but the added support that the strap provided helped up his game. In designing his third signature shoe with Jordan Brand, The Houston Rockets star says incorporating that design element was key.
Now, everything is about speed and traction. I want my shoe to get lower and to be wearable right out of the box.
“After learning about all of the tech, as I’ve gotten older I want my shoe to get lower and to be wearable right out of the box,” says Paul. “Now, everything is about speed and traction.” The all-star guard’s forthcoming release, the Jordan CP3.XI, addresses five essential pillars of a kick ass hoops sneaker: stability, traction, cushion, quickness and personality.
Inspired by Paul’s dynamic playing style, the red and black upper has a rubber outsole that provides next-level traction. “The biggest thing for me—because of the moves I like to do and the stop-and-go—will always be to make sure that the traction runs up by my toe. It’s the first thing I look at when I grab a shoe,” he adds.
Zoom Air bags in the forefoot and heel provide extra cushioning while a special plate allows athletes to stop on dime with ease. While price is still TBA, the Jordan CP3.XI is expected to hit select retailers and Nike’s online store next month.
Would you cop or nah?
